Financial Fitness Competition
Finding Freedom NOW
This Is How We Do It
NOW is a six-month-long competition that gives participants a better understanding of their income vs. expenses while creating healthier spending habits. Teams are led by a PenAir Credit Union Certified Financial Counselor (lovingly referred to as their NOW Coach).
Together they will build a better understanding of how to:
Understand Finance Basics
Get a clearer picture of their finances with personalized, confidential, one-on-one coaching.
Balance A Budget
Develop healthy spending habits and learn how to build a budget that fits their needs.
Manage A Credit Score
Learn what it takes to eliminate debt to improve their credit score and financial wellness.
Cash In On The Competition
Finalists will work with their NOW Coach to create a personalized game plan— then will have to put in the work to start transforming their financial future.
We like to think that the ultimate prize is the financial knowledge our teams earn through the journey. But, there is literally cash on the line…. each team has the chance to win the grand prize of $10,000.
Transformation Over Time
On average, NOW Program finalists have
According to the U.S. Bureau of Economics, the current average personal savings rate is 3.9%.
In 2024, the average U.S. consumer increased their debt balance by .08%, according to a study by Experian.
Meet the Three Teams Transforming Their Financial Future
Team Dana & Michael
Dana & Michael
Dana has carried the weight of providing for her family for years, often working jobs that barely covered the essentials for her daughter living with Type 1 Diabetes. Now, with her partner, Michael, and their other 4 children, she’s determined to do more than just survive.
Dana is especially focused on building a financial cushion for emergencies and giving her kids the life experiences they never had: travel, adventure, and security.
Amanda Chapa, CCUFC
Amanda Chapa is passionate about her work PenAir Credit Union. Having started in 2017 and earning her Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC) in 2021—she has been able to help a wide variety of PenAir members longing for financial education.
Amanda helped the Randolphs, and their children, get a better understanding for their family’s financial dynamics, save money and start tackling their debt.
Team Deale
Team Deale
Morgan and her husband Jonathan are teaming up to build a stronger financial future for their family. They want to make dreams of having money for retirement and a safety net for their children a reality.
Matthew O'Rear
Matthew made the jump from healthcare to finance when he joined PenAir in 2016, changing industries but never straying from his personal calling to help others. Nearing a decade of experience at PenAir, his tailor-made approach to personal finance solutions lets Team Deale know he cares about their financial well-being just as much as they do.
Team Tarjari
Tarjari Young
After a recent layoff, Tarjari has faced a tough reality that has pushed her to reevaluate her financial habits and take control of her future. Now, with a new job secured, Tarjari is focused on rebuilding and creating a stronger financial foundation.
Day Hendriex
As Team Tarjari’s coach in the 2025 NOW Competition, Day is more than a guide—she’s a cheerleader, strategist, and trusted confidante. Her coaching style blends practical financial insight with genuine encouragement, helping her Tarjari navigate challenges and celebrate every win. Day believes in the power of education and community, and she’s committed to helping Tarjari build a strong foundation for lifelong financial wellness.
We realized there were things we didn’t know and learned a lot.
Pete DiPaolo, 2024-2025 WinnerWe became much more financially aware of what we needed to do and how to do it.
Past Now Teams
Check out the previous teams and their journey to a better financial future.
Money doesn't grow on trees, but over time small changes add up to BIG successes.
Along the way, NOW teams and their coaches will share their experiences through short blogs and video updates. Use these articles and tools to start your own journey toward financial freedom.
De-Mystifying Credit Scores
Need More Information?
At PenAir Credit Union, we believe in empowering our members to achieve their financial dreams. To participate in the NOW Program, you simply need to:
- Be a PenAir member or eligible to join the PenAir Credit Union and willing to open transactional accounts for purposes of monitoring contest results. Don’t worry if you are not a member yet; we are excited to welcome you aboard!
- Must demonstrate a need for NOW and a commitment to significantly improve your financial situation. Here are some examples:
- Planning for your future, whether it’s retirement, education, buying a home, or reducing debt.
- Setting savings goals and sharing your progress with us regularly.
- Being open to working closely with a NOW Financial Coach, who will support you through phone calls, emails, and in-person meetings.
- Willingness to share your financial journey with the community through interviews for print and electronic media.
- Must have not declared bankruptcy in the last 12 months.
- Must not have caused PenAir Credit Union a loss.
- NOW participants must execute all waivers and agreements required by PenAir Credit Union
Rest assured; we understand not everyone’s financial journey is the same. So, whether you’re just starting out or looking to make significant strides, PenAir Credit Union is here to support you every step of the way!
Our dedicated committee, comprised of PenAir team members, will carefully review all applications. If you’re selected, you’ll have the opportunity to interview with us. We’ll also conduct a background check to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all participants. Applicants not selected; will be notified by email.
Once selected, you’ll embark on a transformative journey towards financial empowerment. Over the course of the year, you’ll:
- Work closely with your assigned NOW Financial Coach to develop personalized strategies.
- Engage in various activities, including media interviews and educational sessions, designed to enhance your financial literacy.
- Track your progress towards your savings and debt reduction goals.
Throughout the seven-month competition, participants will work towards their goals—working with their financial coach, completing various media interviews and attending educational sessions, etc.
Points will be awarded in three categories:
- Increase in savings – based on percentage increase
- Debt reduction – based on a percentage increase
- Participation in program events – coach meetings, educational sessions, etc.
A committee of credit union employees will review the participants’ results at the end of the competition and a winner will be determined. Only one application per individual or family is permitted. All decisions of PenAir are final, absolute, and not subject to inquiry. The $10,000 prize will be awarded to the family that earns the most points during the contest.
Ready to take the first step towards financial freedom? Applications will open for the next competition in the summer. At PenAir Credit Union, we’re not just about banking; we are about enhancing lives. Your financial well-being is our priority, and we’re committed to helping you thrive.
**Disclaimer** Any materials sent to PenAir in support of your application will be retained by PenAir, will become the property of PenAir’s NOW Program, and will not be returned to you regardless of whether you are selected as a participant. Any expenses you incur during your application process, including postage and materials preparation are your responsibility. PenAir will not reimburse you for these expenses.
Disclosures
For all events, employees and volunteers of PenAir Credit Union, and their immediate families, are not eligible to participate. Immediate family includes spouse, parents, siblings, children, stepparents, stepchildren, grandparents, and grandchildren.